Savory Barbecue Chicken Pastries: A Flaky and Flavorful Delight

When it comes to simple, crowd-pleasing meals, few things compare to the irresistible combination of flaky puff pastry, gooey cheese, and tangy barbecue chicken. These Savory Barbecue Chicken Pastries are the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering, looking for a unique appetizer, or planning a quick family dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes.

With minimal prep time and a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a dish that not only impresses but also satisfies. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to create these delectable pastries, share tips for achieving golden perfection, and explore ways to customize them for your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Thanks to store-bought puff pastry, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Customizable: Swap out ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Impressive Presentation: The flaky pastry and drizzled barbecue sauce make these pastries look as good as they taste.
• Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course paired with a side salad.

Ingredients Breakdown

Puff Pastry

The foundation of this recipe is store-bought puff pastry, which saves time while delivering buttery, flaky layers. Thaw the pastry sheets in the fridge to ensure they’re easy to work with.

Cooked Chicken

Use leftover roasted chicken, store-bought rotisserie chicken, or even grilled chicken. Shredded or diced, the chicken is the star of the filling.

Barbecue Sauce

Choose your favorite barbecue sauce to coat the chicken. Sweet, smoky, or tangy—go with a flavor profile you love.

Cheddar Cheese

Shredded cheddar adds a creamy, gooey texture to the filling. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or smoked gouda for added depth.

Red Onion

Finely chopped red onion brings a sharp, tangy bite that balances the richness of the cheese and barbecue sauce.

Egg Wash

A simple beaten egg brushed over the pastries before baking ensures a golden, glossy finish.

Garnishes

Drizzling extra barbecue sauce and sprinkling fresh parsley on top adds a final touch of flavor and visual appeal.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
• Shred or dice your cooked chicken, chop the red onion, and gather all the ingredients to streamline the assembly process.

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Step 2: Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, barbecue sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped red onion. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated, and the ingredients are well mixed.

Chef’s Tip: For an extra kick, add a dash of smoked paprika or chili powder to the filling.

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Step 3: Assemble the Pastries

1. Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.
2. Cut each sheet into four equal rectangles, creating eight pieces in total.
3. Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each rectangle, being careful not to overfill.
4. Fold each rectangle over the filling, sealing the edges by pressing them with a fork.

Pro Tip: Lightly moisten the edges with water before sealing to ensure they stick together.

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Step 4: Bake to Perfection

1. Arrange the filled pastries seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them for the pastry to puff up.
2. Brush the tops with beaten egg to achieve a golden, shiny crust.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.

Pro Tip: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking for even browning.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Drizzle additional barbecue sauce over the top and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant garnish.

Serving Suggestions

These Savory Barbecue Chicken Pastries are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides:

• Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw complements the rich filling perfectly.
• Green Salad: A light salad with a citrus vinaigrette balances the flavors.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Add a sweet and savory twist with crispy fries.

Tips for Perfect Pastries

1. Work with Chilled Pastry: Puff pastry is easiest to handle when cold. Avoid letting it sit at room temperature for too long.
2. Don’t Overfill: Resist the temptation to overstuff the pastries, as this can cause the filling to leak out during baking.
3. Seal Edges Properly: Press the edges firmly with a fork to prevent them from opening while baking.
4. Bake Until Golden: The pastries are ready when they are golden brown and puffed up. Avoid underbaking for the best texture.

Customization Ideas

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables for a meat-free version.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling.
• Different Cheeses: Try using pepper jack, gouda, or blue cheese for unique flavor combinations.
• Sweet and Savory: Add a tablespoon of diced pineapple to the filling for a hint of sweetness.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead Instructions

Prepare the pastries up to the point of baking, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pastries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Protein?

Absolutely! Shredded pork, beef, or turkey work just as well. For a pescatarian option, try flaked salmon or shrimp.

What’s the Best Way to Thaw Puff Pastry?

Thaw the pastry in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Avoid microwaving it, as this can make the dough unevenly soft.

Can I Air Fry These Pastries?

Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the pastries for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

These Savory Barbecue Chicken Pastries are everything you want in a dish: flaky, cheesy, tangy, and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, party appetizers, or a creative way to use up leftover chicken, this recipe is a keeper.

The combination of buttery puff pastry, gooey cheddar, and sweet barbecue sauce creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Plus, the flexibility of the recipe means you can easily tailor it to your taste or dietary preferences.

Ready to wow your family and friends? Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the magic of puff pastry transform your dinner table. These pastries are guaranteed to impress—and disappear quickly!

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